As Carnival preparations reach fever pitch in Trinidad and Tobago, veteran musician Rishi Gayadeen stands at the helm of both studio productions and live performances, marking an extraordinary 40-year career that has shaped the nation’s soundscape. The 51-year-old musical director, currently leading preparations as bandleader for the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, has already completed approximately 35 productions this season while balancing numerous private engagements.
Gayadeen’s musical journey represents more than professional achievement—it embodies a lifelong dedication rooted in childhood discipline. Growing up surrounded by his father’s orchestra, The Gayatones, he describes music as haunting his soul from birth. “Being around that band room and rehearsal was a calling for me,” he reflects. “It haunted my soul. Every opportunity I got, I watched them rehearse and I soaked in everything.”
His formal training began at six years old under his father’s strict guidance: “We were taught to play original East Indian music by dad who told us ‘If you can’t play it close to the record, then don’t play it.’” This foundation in musical authenticity would later expand through exposure to soca, chutney, and reggae artists, sparking what he describes as a fascination with understanding the structure and swing of all genres.
The pivotal moment arrived when young Gayadeen first entered a recording studio. Witnessing technology transform creative vision into recorded art, he knew music would define his path. By 12, he was performing professionally; by 15, he had entered studio production. This evolution from keyboardist to producer, musical director, and mentor now includes nurturing emerging artists like Avinash Maharaj and Divya Gocool—a responsibility he embraces as repayment for opportunities received.
Gayadeen’s career highlights include winning the Mastana Bahar competition in 2011 as a solo keyboardist, claiming a $75,000 prize that fulfilled a childhood dream. He credits mentor Kenny Phillips of KMP Studios for crucial guidance, particularly when installing Logic Pro Digital Studio on his laptop with the instruction: “go home and study this until you get it right.”
Now leading RG The Band—a rebranding effort after 33 years in the industry—Gayadeen emphasizes the importance of evolution while preserving authenticity. “Never forget where you started,” he advises. “Building a foundation and preserving it will always keep you going.”
Despite four decades of performances, Gayadeen’s passion remains undiminished. With a new recording studio under construction, upcoming tours, and year-round bookings, he affirms: “The stage is my home and I’ll play music till my last breath.” His commitment will culminate on March 22 with “RG Musical Journey,” a live performance showcasing his evolution through Bollywood, chutney, soca, and parang genres.
Reflecting on his legacy, Gayadeen hopes to be remembered for quality, humility, and helping others achieve their dreams. For aspiring musicians, he offers tempered advice: “Set goals, focus on what you want and work hard toward it. There will be obstacles in your path, but don’t allow it to break your focus.”
Having dedicated his life to music, Gayadeen concludes with profound certainty: “Music is who I am. I believe people were born to do certain things in this life. I feel blessed and grateful to be still on those stages…making our fans happy.”
